Mr. Bert Barenbrug retired as Chairman, President and CEO of the Barenbrug Group on March 1^st, 2002.

For three generations, a little short of a full century, the internationally renowned grass seed company Barenbrug was led by one or two members of the family. The fourth generation, Frank (29) and Bas (31), meanwhile graduated in relevant disciplines and have already worked for the company in various divisions, including New Zealand, Argentine, the USA, Belgium and the Netherlands. "Their career within the Barenbrug Group, however, is not merely a matter of family relations," says Mr. Barenbrug. "My successor, Mr. Kees Bleeker, likes to characterize the Barenbrug style as management by guts and entrepreneurship. True, but a market leader in the seed business, with operational companies and research stations in Europe, North America and the Southern Hemisphere, cannot be run by family genes alone."

Meanwhile Mr. Bert Barenbrug remains associated with the company as a member of the Supervisory Board and as main shareholder. He started his career in 1968, when his father sent him to Northern Germany. Straight from his 19 months of compulsory military service, he went on a scouting expedition that resulted in establishing a stronghold within 3 weeks: his first contracts for grass seed production acreage. Two years later Barenbrug Germany Gmbh required and built new warehouses.

In 1975 Mr. Barenbrug returned to The Netherlands and joined the Board of the Barenbrug Group. In 1981 he succeeded his father as Chairman and remained in that position during the 4 years that Unilever owned 60% of the shares from 1989 till 1993. During this latter year he negotiated an unprecedented buy back agreement, bringing 85% of the company back into family hands. "Mutual interest dictated that move," says Mr. Barenbrug, "working relations remained just fine."

Today, the company comprises 25 subsidiaries on five continents. Under the 34-year direction of Mr. Barenbrug, the turnover was boosted from € 25 million to € 172 million.

Mr. Barenbrug’s endeavours for the Barenbrug Group may be appreciated as contributions to the entire industry. Stressing the necessity of research and development, he served many years as instigator and executive of Dutch and European seed business associations. He strongly advocates certified control of processes. "They are as important for the quality of the business as proprietary varieties are for turf. Certification ensures varietal purity and, as such, guarantees the performance that is expected by the customer."